Exhibition Data:
In September 2007, C&G Artpartment hosted “To Tsang, C.E.” conceptual art exhibition, which invited participating artist to use art to respond to Mr. Donald Tsang’s policies between 2005 and 2007, and also to tailor-made art pieces for Tsang to purchase. On one hand, it was an opportunity for artists to express their opinions to Tsang with their familiar media. Besides, it also meant to provide a chance for Mr. Tsang to grasp an understanding of the local art ecology and support local art through appreciating and buying artworks by Hong Kong artists. Of course, it turned out Mr. Tsang did not purchase any of the artworks from this exhibition. However, his secretary did politely return a thank you note, after receiving the exhibition profile. (please see the attached image)

Based on the concept from this previous show, the current exhibition, “To Tsang, C.E.•2” also will invite artists to respond to Mr. Tsang’s recent policies, like those on the high-speed railway, West-Kowloon cultural district, revitalization of industrial buildings, cruise ship terminal, conservation on culture and heritage, urban redevelopment, education reform, and the recent constitutional reform etc. The subtitle, “Nothing, but development!” is inspired by Deng Xiaoping’s famous statement: “Development is the sole principle,” to encourage artists and viewers to think about the pros and cons of the recent non-stop developments in Hong Kong.

After all, development of “what” should be the sole principle? Should it be only about development on items that are materialistic, like real estate, and economy? Then how about development on the inner soul of the city, like culture, civil intelligence, democratic constitution, citizen’s consciousness on environmental protection? The imbalance development of the outer look and inner soul of the city, eventually, may turn out to be a huge obstacle for the city to run forward.

The current exhibition is inviting artists from different generations: from the 50’s to 80’s. All of them are intellectuals with different backgrounds. SCOLARI Jean-Christophe is a sculptor from France. He has both studied and taught in university in Hong Kong. Cally Yu is a writer with strong concern on Hong Kong society and the public lives. This time, she attempts to use other media to express her worry about development. Clara Cheung used to study in the US. She now is a mother and has a strong will to use art to fight for justice. Gum Cheng Yee-Man, the curator of the show, became an artist after giving up the post of a social worker. Chun-Fung Lee and IP Ho Lun (Roland) is a successful young artist who is working in many different fields. They all have independent and critical thinking skills, and will use art to respond to various current issues, according to their own judgements.